Brunnstrom Sweepstakes

The Dallas Stars have won the Fabian Brunnstrom sweepstakes, as the talented free agent Swede has signed a two-year entry-level contract through the 09-10 season.

Honestly, I didn't even know who the guy was a few months ago.

Then I heard that a lot of teams in the NHL were sending a representative of some sort to investigate said Brunnstrom and see if he could be signed. I thought it would be interesting to see the Stars sign him, at the time. Dallas normally didn't sign many undrafted free agents, and I thought this guy might have some potential.

That was on the day teams started taking interest. Then I forgot about him.

Moving to now, apparently our fabulous Fabian has taken Farjestads BK Karlstad by storm, and has exciting many NHL fans who follow other leagues. On a team where only David Cullen, Jonas Hoglund, and Rickard Wallin would be recognizable names to most American fans, Brunnstrom led the team in assists (28) and placed fifth in points (37). Although having 9 goals doesn't smell of superstar-in-the-making, Brunnstrom has electrifying potential.
Watch this:



See? The kid ain't half bad.

Brunnstrom has the kind of game that isn't exactly Gretzky's 2.75 steps ahead, but at least a step ahead most guys. That last goal in the video, on the zoom in, the guys he goes through are standing stock still. He knew the pass was coming, and he knew he could put the puck in before anyone expected it.

Stars fans, be excited about the now, and about the future. Yes, we're still fighting against the Wings to reach the Cup Final. But with our excellent tandem of co-GM's, one can focus on the current games while the other makes important moves for our future, like this signing. Brunnstrom will be a huge key soon, and hopefully he'll have a good showing in his first season.

This is likely one of the rare days that I'll post twice. I had the extra time with limited mobility from a sprained ankle today. But most often, I'll barely have time to write once a day for half of this length.
Adios, and good luck to Brunnstrom!

STARS RULE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!